Silvopastoral Systems in Zambia
Project details
- Project Implementer: Mendel University in Brno
- Donor: Czech Development Cooperation
- Implementation period: 2020 - 2023
- Holistic Solutions Ltd participation: throughout the implementation period
Goal of the project
Contribute to improving the living standards of small farmers in the Southern Province of Zambia (Choma and Monze districts) by increasing the average income of farmers from agricultural production and increasing the average household consumption during the monitored period.
Objective
The objective of the project is to increase the resilience of agricultural production and the landscape to the effects of climate change. The project will contribute to reducing the decline in milk production in the dry season, increasing the efficiency of crop production and sustainable management of the area based on proper landscape management.
Outputs
Output 1: Increased sustainable agricultural production of small farmers
Output 2: Improved condition of the soil and landscape and its subsequent sustainable management
Output 3: Reinforced capacities of farmers in the area of use and management of agricultural production
Target Group and Beneficiaries
The direct target group is 200 small farmers and their families from selected communities in the Choma and Monze districts. Min. 50 of them will be Model Farmers who have participated in activities under a previous follow-up project and who will be selected on the basis of several criteria. The remaining 150 farmers were selected from the proposed communities with an emphasis on the gender ratio.
Other direct target groups are the four communities in which the project activities will take place, the two dairy unions Choma and Monze, which gained access to new agricultural technology in the previous project, and at least 8 field workers from local ministries of agriculture and fisheries and livestock, and Ministry of Community Development.
The final beneficiaries of the project are the agricultural population of the Southern Province, living and farming in the affected parts of both districts (approximately 2,500 households). Long-term changes on individual farmers' farms will primarily increase the income for the family, which may mean better health care, the possibility of sending children to school and many other services that require an exchange of money. Whole families of farmers will benefit from interventions to improve production and productivity. Consumption of an expanded range of products will significantly increase the nutrition of the whole family, and thus the overall health.
The Holistic Solutions team is primarily engaged in evaluating the rehabilitation of water resources and watering holes for cattle and subsequent construction. The team also analyzes the needs of farmers in the production and sale of products and recommends appropriate processing techniques for individuals, communities and cooperatives. Last but not least, they focus on trainings and workshops for farmers and participate in the creation of a plan for sustainable landscape management.
